Authorities in South Korea abandoned an hours-long attempt to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his residence in Seoul on Friday after thousands of his supporters rallied outside, blocking police efforts. The tense standoff underscores the growing political and social divisions in the country.

Photos from the scene showed protesters lying in front of police vehicles, attempting to prevent authorities from reaching Yoon’s residence. Around 3,000 police officers were deployed to the area, where anti-corruption officials entered the property gates before encountering resistance from Yoon’s security team and supporters.

After five hours, investigators suspended their efforts, citing safety concerns for on-site personnel due to the confrontation.

“We determined that executing the detention warrant would be practically impossible due to the continued confrontation and suspended the execution out of concern for the safety of on-site personnel,” the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) said in a statement, as quoted by Yonhap News Agency.

The CIO added that it would review the situation to determine its next steps and expressed “serious regret” over Yoon’s refusal to comply with legal procedures.

Yoon’s team condemned the detention attempt, calling the warrant “invalid and illegal.” Kwon Young-se, the interim leader of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party, accused the CIO of “judge shopping” to secure the warrant.

“This is an unfair transaction secured through judge shopping,” Kwon said, referring to the warrant being issued by a left-leaning judge in a court outside the relevant judicial department. He further criticized the CIO for targeting a national security facility.

“I can’t help but feel terrible about the disappearance of the rule of law in the Republic of Korea,” Kwon added.

Over 1,000 of Yoon’s supporters remained outside his residence after investigators withdrew, waving South Korean and American flags and holding signs reading “Stop the Steal.” They echoed Yoon’s claims that opposition forces were attempting to “steal the presidency.”

Yoon’s supporters have repeatedly asserted that the opposition leader, already facing multiple criminal charges, should be arrested first. They also insist that the previous presidential election was rigged, a claim Yoon has used to justify his controversial attempt to impose martial law.

Supporters believe left-leaning forces, allegedly backed by North Korea, are trying to topple Yoon’s government, fueling the ongoing political unrest in South Korea.

The CIO has yet to announce its plan for enforcing the detention warrant, but the failed attempt highlights the challenges in addressing the deep polarization surrounding Yoon’s impeachment and alleged abuses of power. The political crisis continues to unfold, with the nation’s rule of law and democratic processes under intense scrutiny.